This species is endemic to Yellow and East Bay river drainages in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, Florida, USA (Moler 1993). Its area of occupancy might be less than 20km². It has an elevation of 3-55m asl.

It is known from approximately three-dozen localities along tributaries of the East Bay, Shoal and Yellow Rivers in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, Florida, USA. The number of adult individuals is unknown, but the species is probably uncommon in appropriate habitat. Calling males can make the species seem more abundant than it actually is.

Breeding and non-breeding habitat includes: early successional shrub bog communities; in or near shallow, non-stagnant, acid (pH 4.1-5.5) seeps; and along shallow, boggy overflows of larger seepage streams that drain extensive sandy uplands, frequently in association with lush beds of sphagnum moss. It is often associated with black titi and Atlantic white cedar. Eggs are laid in thin films at the water surface of pools. Males typically call from shallow water surrounded by sphagnum (Moler 1993). It apparently tolerates disturbance because some populations occur in heavily silted streams and, in areas where streamside vegetation is more mature hardwood forest, it occurs typically only in disturbed sites (Moler 1992a).

Improper watershed management is a potential threat; at some sites, excessive stream siltation stemming from poor placement of roads or poor forest management in surrounding uplands has degraded habitat, but frog populations often are not negatively affected by this (Moler 1992a). Major threats are stream impoundment and habitat succession (Moler 1992a).

Although approximately 90% of the total range of the species is within Eglin Air Force Base, US national security has priority over wildlife. Fish and Wildlife Service, in concert with the Nature Conservancy and Eglin Air Force Base have recently drafted up a research and management plan for the species. It is protected as a Species of Special Concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.